TODAY'S PRISONS

Today's Prisons

Abstract

The research underlying the development of this paper was designed to explore the manner in which inmates are treated in prisons. The essential purpose of the paper was to develop a comprehensive insight into the conditions to which inmates are subjected. The discussion converged on the understanding that the debate in question is still far from coming to a resolution. As a result, it would be adequate to proceed in a manner that gives relevance to each case in accordance with the specific characteristics of the case.

Today's Prisons

Introduction

Prison conditions vary widely across nations and reflect the economic and social situation of each country. In many countries, foreign prisoners cannot fully enjoy their fundamental rights and suffer ill-treatment and poor conditions of detention. In developing countries, prisoners in their own countries rely on their families to provide them with food and thus complete the ration they receive in prison. Foreign prisoners are at a disadvantage since they depend on the money they send their families from their country of residence. However, many families of those detained abroad cannot afford to send money.

Discussion & Analyses

In some prisons, inmates spend twenty-three hours a day locked in their cells, cell they routinely share with others, sometimes sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Under these conditions of detention in addition to foreign nationals, the problem of isolation due to cultural differences and language barriers. The distance from family and friends, as well as anxiety about their fate present and future, only increases this isolation.

In some countries, lack of sanitation, poor sanitation and overcrowding also mean that foreign prisoners have little hope of staying healthy. In some prisons, inmates must pay their cells, their mattresses and bedding, and sometimes end up sleeping on the floor due to overcrowding. Even basic necessities like toilet paper, soap and toothbrushes are not always complimentary (Miles, 2007). They are often very expensive. The corruption in the prison system often makes the situation particularly difficult. For some detainees, their alien status protects them from the treatment provided to municipal prisoners. However, swimming in an atmosphere where violence and abuse can be highly traumatic for prisoners.

In some places, foreign detainees may themselves be subject to torture and abuse, especially when they are arrested and questioned by police. They face difficulties in understanding the local language makes them particularly vulnerable in this situation. For some of these prisoners, the problems caused ...